10 Outrageous Cartoon Moments That Use Real Physics

Wile E. Coyote’s tendency to hover in midair long enough for a reaction shot before falling is NOT an example of real physics.

Screen capture by HowStuffWorks staff

It might seem weird to look to the world of cartoons to learn about the physical laws that govern the real world, but in the middle of all the crazy capering, wild explosions, unlikely chase sequences and downright impossible action scenes, sometimes cartoons get physics right. Because physical actions are so often exaggerated in animation, it can actually be easier to see forces at work. Of course, sometimes it's just a really good quantum mechanics pun.

These 10 examples from our favorite cartoons show times when zany laws of cartoonland gave way to the actual laws of physics (but still stayed zany).